Institutional Weapons System

ABSTRACT

A system of weapon oversight and control is revealed. One or more Authorized Weapon Operators are authenticated, and the weapons are authorized for use by a Remote Authority who is updated in real time by 360 by 360 video and sound as to who is wielding the weapon, the location of the weapon, and the current use of the weapon. The weapon is authorized and deauthorized to fire or not fire by the Remote Authority, giving oversite and operability of the weapon to the Remote Authority.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/717,803 entitled InstitutionalWeapon System and filed on Dec. 17, 2019, which is incorporated hereinby referenced.

BACKGROUND

Typically, armed security agents are trained individuals with theresponsibility of acting as security for a particular area. It'sgenerally recommended that one security guard be available per every75-100 people at any location. In many areas this ratio is difficult tomaintain as the number of people coming and going can vary greatly.Shopping areas and popular public parks, such as the National Mall,offer particularly challenging environments to security.

Areas where people regularly come and go are occasionally subject toassault by one or more assailants. While these attacks are rare in theUnited States, in other countries the incidence is reportedly muchhigher. The results of such attacks are devastating, often resulting innumerous deaths. There is a clear consensus of the need to limit orprevent these attacks.

Using public schools as an example, armed security officers are becomingmore prevalent at America's schools amid a debate over whether teachersand other school officials should carry guns. It's said that armedadults frequently mishandle their guns in schools, and that armingteachers wouldn't decrease risk to students, rather it would increasetheir risk.

Some have advocated and implemented the use of armed guards, or evenarmed teachers, as a means of stopping such attacks before they canproceed to their devastating end. Others point to the issues ofintroducing weapons into the classroom environment.

There are advantages to arming teachers. One advantage is that it givesa classroom a fighting chance during a lockdown situation as it may be2-4 minutes before the first officers arrive at the school to confront ashooter. A teacher could react much faster. Arming teachers could alsobolster school security and reduce the need for security guards,directly impacting the school's budget. There are many reports ofshootings being halted because of the presence of an armed defender.

Some arguments in favor of arming teachers assume armed teachers wouldactually be able to defend against an attack and potentially minimizedeaths. Another argument is that arming teachers would act as adeterrent, and if aggressors knew teachers were armed, they would beless likely to carry out an attack.

On the other hand, just introducing a dischargeable weapon into theclassroom raises the likelihood of its usage, and teachers could evenbecome the aggressor targeting students in the classroom. An open carryschool could even create a situation where teachers could be forced tocarry a gun. A strong argument against arming teachers is the fact thata gun changes the power dynamic and rules of liability on campus. Onceyou have educators with weapons in the classroom, then the liability ofan incident could fall onto the teacher and the school.

Several study groups report numerous incidents and issues with firearmsbeing introduced into schools. Examples of reported incidents include; ateacher left a gun unattended in a teacher's workroom; a vice principalleft a gun unattended in a restroom on campus; a teacher was arrestedfor bringing a gun to school and keeping it in a bag; a gun brought to amiddle school by a teacher was stolen by two students; a student pulledthe trigger of a gun in an officer's holster while the officer wasvisiting a classroom; a school resource officer unintentionallydischarged their firearm at the school, and so on.

School shootings clearly have a political impact, spurring some to askfor more stringent gun control laws. In the United States, the NationalRifle Association is opposed to such laws, and some groups have calledfor fewer gun control laws in general, citing cases of armed studentsending shootings and halting further loss of life, and claiming that theprohibitions against carrying a gun in schools do not deter the gunmen.They point to cases such as shootings at Columbine and Red Lake HighSchools, where the presence of an armed police officer alone did notprevent the shootings.

Some areas in the US have allowed “armed classrooms” in an attempt todeter or truncate future attacks, presumably by changing helplessvictims into armed defenders. In 2008, Harrold Independent SchoolDistrict in Texas became the first public school district in the U.S. toallow teachers with state-issued firearm-carry permits to carry theirarms in the classroom; special additional training andricochet-resistant ammunition were required for participating teachers.Students at the University of Utah have been allowed to carry permittedconcealed pistols since a State Supreme Court decision in 2006. Inaddition to Utah, Wisconsin and Mississippi each have legislation thatallow students, faculty and employees to carry concealed weapons ontheir public university's campuses. Other states have enacted variouslegislations and rules in response to the need to defend the classroom.

The issue with arming teachers is the introduction of deadly force intothe classroom that is always present. Control and security issues withthese weapons, as well as clear regulation andAuthentication/Authorization for the use of force remain current issuesthat are addressed by the present invention.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure reveals a means of firearm oversight and controlby a Remote Authority. One or more Authorized Weapon Operators areauthenticated and the firearms are authorized for use by a RemoteAuthority, an authorization authority being remotely located from thefirearm that is updated in real time by 360 by 360 video and sound as towho is wielding the weapon, the location of the weapon, and the currentuse of the weapon. The firearm is authorized and deauthorized to fire ornot fire by the Remote Authority, giving oversite and control of theoperability of the firearm to the Remote Authority.

This disclosure relates to the remote authentication of a user, and theremote authorization and deauthorization of a firearms ability todischarge. In particular it relates to the remote oversight andauthorization or deauthorization of a firearm or group of firearms in aknown and restricted operating environment such as a building, school,area of land or other defined setting. In this manner only an authorizedoperator, herein known as an Authorized Weapon Operator, can dischargethe weapon. It further relates to the Remote Authority being updated inreal time as to the current situation around the firearm. Thisdisclosure applies to all weapons to include firearms and to all areasand modes of operation.

Authentication and authorization are distinct security processes inidentity and use management. In the present disclosure, Authenticationconfirms that a user is recognized and confirmed by the RemoteAuthority, and Authorization is the Remote Authority giving thatAuthenticated user the capability to utilize the firearm by authorizingthe firearm. This results in the firearm being activated or otherwiseplaced in a dischargeable condition. The firearm will remain in adischargeable condition as long as the firearm is in direct possessionof the Authorized Weapon Operator or the authorization is revoked by theRemote Authority and the weapon enters a non-dischargeable condition.

Authentication in the present disclosure is accomplished by visualrecognition of the user by the Remote Authority from the image sent tothe Remote Authority via the Operator Camera mounted on the Firearm. TheOperator Camera is fixed to have a full facial view of the user holdingthe Firearm and that image is transmitted and displayed on the WeaponsScreen for comparison and approval or rejection by the Remote Authority.

These full facial images are a preferred embodiment as visualrecognition is substantially faster that auditory or a password. Half ofthe human brain is directly or indirectly devoted to processing visualinformation. The eye's retina, which contains 150 millionlight-sensitive rod and cone cells, is actually an outgrowth of thebrain. In the brain itself, neurons devoted to visual processing numberin the hundreds of millions and take up about 30% of the cortex, ascompared with 8% for touch and just 3% for hearing.

Most people can identify images seen for as little as 13 milliseconds.The ability to identify images seen so briefly aids the brain as itdecides where to focus the eyes, which dart from point to point in briefmovements called fixations about three times per second. Deciding whereto move the eyes can take 100 to 140 milliseconds, so very high-speedunderstanding must occur before that.

Also, at least 65% of people are considered visual learners. Thisestimation comes from a research study on engineering students by Dr.Richard Felder in the 1980s, which later became a foundation for astandardized test called the Index of Learning Styles (ILS). People alsohave a remarkable ability to remember pictures. People can remember morethan 2000 pictures with at least 90% accuracy in recognition tests overa period of several days, even with short presentation times duringlearning. This excellent memory for pictures consistently exceeds ourability to remember words. The reason why the picture memory is superioris that pictures automatically engage multiple representations andassociations with other knowledge which results in a more elaborate andcomplete encoding than occurs with words.

Authorization is given by the Remote Authority to the now AuthorizedWeapon Operator and the weapon is placed in a dischargeable condition.

The present disclosure further provides that if the authorized weapon istaken from an Authorized Weapon Operator the weapon de-authorizesentering a non-dischargeable condition thereby preventing its use. Thisdisclosure further comprises a received signal such as a radio, sound oroptical signal, coded or not coded, the signal authorizing,de-authorizing, or reauthorizing the weapon as required and as per theapplication. The invention further comprises a received signal such as aradio, sound or optical signal, coded or not coded, with the loss of thesignal or the loss of the code carried by the signal causing ade-authorizing of the weapon. In all cases a Remote Authority controlsthe use of the weapon, and the weapon can only operate within adetermined area or space.

In an institutional setting such as a school, firearms in anunauthorized, non-dischargeable condition may be widely distributed.When armed force is deemed necessary, such as to stop a school shooteror other threat, the remotely located authorizer is alerted by on-sitepersonnel of the situation. The authorizer signals the appropriatefirearms, changing their dischargeable state from a non-dischargeable toa dischargeable, or authorized, condition. In this manner armed force ismade available in seconds to address the situation. After the situationis neutralized, the firearms are set to a non-dischargeable condition bythe authorizer.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for the safe storage ofweapons in a weapons free structured environment such as a militaryinstallation, office building or school. When a threat arises theauthorization for use of the weapon is given to Authorized WeaponOperators by the Remote Authority, and after the threat has passed theweapon is de-authorized to prevent unauthorized operation. In thismanner a plurality of security or offensive operations may be enabledand controlled under different conditions. Embodiments of the presentinvention provide a means of containment of weapons, access to weapons,and authorization and de-authorization for the operation of weapons. Inparticular embodiments, means are provided to authorize both the releaseand use of weapons from both, or either of, a central or a distributedsource. As desired per the application, authorizers such as securitypersonnel, Principal's, or other empowered individuals may brieflyauthorize the use of the weapons according to the security plan of theestablishment.

As threats may be intermittent the Remote Authority can haveauthorization control over many different areas, sites and weaponssimultaneously, greatly reducing overhead costs.

The Remote Authority authorizer may also restrict the use of the weaponto legal uses only. For example, should an armed corporate securityagent exceed the boundaries of legal use of the firearm, such as exitingthe facility, the firearm may be remotely disabled until the firearmreturns to an area of legally allowable use such as within the confinesof the structure. In this manner potential legal issues from anyengagement are avoided.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure the weapon checks fordetection of an authorizing signal and upon signal detection authorizes.For example, when the alarm is given alerting an armed intrusion into aschool, an authorization may be given by the principal or securityofficer to globally authorize weapons. The weapons are remotely (and/orlocally) monitored as to who is in possession of the weapon, and theuser is remotely authenticated and authorized, deauthorized orreauthorized as best fits the situation.

If the user loses contact with the weapon, the weapon deauthorizes. Inthis manner an authorized weapon cannot be taken from an authorized userand used against them or anyone else. An authorization signal from theRemote Authority has to be received by the weapon to reauthorize. Theauthorized weapon can be introduced into a sensitive area such as aclassroom for use against an assailant without the risk of the weaponbeing accessible to or usable by anyone other than an Authorized WeaponOperator.

The method in which the present disclosure is utilized will varydepending on the application and the user. Different Authorized WeaponOperators will follow different protocols to utilize their weapons.

The present disclosure can be integrated with any type of firearm, froma BB or paintball gun to a taser or military weapons. Further, theintegrated weapon may discharge rubber bullets or electricity. Whenthere's a threat, the system is immediately available. When the alarmraised, Authentication of the Authorized Weapon Operator is determinedand authorization is given from the Remote Authority to the firearm toauthorize. This happens immediately and the firearm becomesdischargeable, ready to address the threat with armed force. If theauthorized individual loses control of the firearm, such as it beingtaken from them, the firearm automatically deauthorizes and will notfire.

This disclosures operation is restricted to a predefined space such as abuilding or grounds. In terms of a school or mall this means a weapon ispresent at all times, and within easy reach of authorized personnel.None of the firearms can be fired by anyone until a Remote Authorityauthenticates the Authorized Weapon Operator and authorizes the firearmto be dischargeable. This disclosure provides for a completely gun freezone with authorized firearms immediately available and widespread whereand only when they are needed.

Armed police are seen by some as an assurance of stability and by othersas a symbol of overreaching authority by the state. The use of force byan officer at times becomes necessary and is typically permitted underspecific circumstances, such as in self-defense or in defense of anotherindividual or group. The present disclosure provides for remoteoversight and a rapid determination of the need for armed force tomitigate a situation, make an arrest, or for an officer to protectthemselves or others from harm. The present disclosure maintains theassurance of stability and security by armed officers while at the sametime assuring those who see armed force as a threat of the complete andcontinuous oversight of weapons in the field.

In the case of a Military applications, firearms are only dischargeablewhen authorized. Arms issued to Soldiers can be issued in a deauthorizedcondition then authorized when the Soldier is on station or otherwisedeployed. The present disclosure also facilitates the authorization ordeauthorization of weapons issued to foreign Militaries. A good exampleof what could have prevented is the nine M1 tanks that fell into thehands of pro-Iran militias in 2015. These M1's could have beenimmediately deauthorized and prevented from entering combat had theybeen equipped with the present disclosure. The present disclosureprovides control over a single or a selected group of weapons asdesired. This means weapons on base can be deauthorized while thoseproviding internal security, guarding the perimeter or on active dutycan be fully operational.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including trade, technical andscientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs. The terms weapon and firearm are used interchangeably as tocontext. It will be further understood that terms, such as those definedin commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of thespecification and relevant art, and should not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.Well known functions or constructions may not be described in detail forbrevity and/or clarity.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood referencing the followingdrawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scalerelative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the severalviews.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary firearm having components of an aspect of thepresent disclosure incorporated into a firearm in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is the firearm of FIG. 1 showing camera views as incorporatedinto or otherwise attached to the firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a camera of the firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1 anddepicting the various camera overlapping views.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1 havingMicrophones, 360-degree Cameras, an Authorized Weapon Operator Camera,and a Rear Camera and Microphone to provide both sound and video viewsaround and behind the Authorized Weapon Operator.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1 further havinga grip.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1 further havinga trigger sensor.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary floor plan such as a school or office area.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an information and communications systemfor the firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram further detailing and information andcommunications system for the firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In theinterest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation aredescribed in this specification. It will of course be appreciated thatin the development of any such actual embodiment, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedeveloper's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary Weapon 1 in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure. The Weapon 1 comprises components for performingvarious aspects of the present disclosure. The Weapon 1 is shown as atwo handled military format, but the present disclosure is equallyapplicable to all weapons or firearms of any type or format includingpistols and long guns. Thus, other types of weapons may be used in otherembodiments. While all types of firearms and their respective modes ofaction are included in the present disclosure, in one embodiment thefirearm discharges a round via a barrel or other delivery systemappropriate to the addressed environment. Note that the term barrelincorporates all types of discharge or other delivery systems as mayincorporate the present disclosure. For example, in a closedenvironment, such as a school, a short-range weapon such as a shotgunwith an appropriate load, such as a light weight shot or rubber bullets,is highly desirable. Pistols, rifles, or other firearms withnon-penetrating rounds are similarly applicable. Chemical ladenprojectiles are also desirable in appropriate situations.

The Weapon 1 is shown as a two handled pistol but may also be any typeor class of firearm to include a pistol, long gun, rifle, or shotgun, orother lethal or non-lethal weapon as desired.

The Weapon 1 further comprises a Forward Camera 2. The Forward Camera 2is coupled at the end of Weapon 1 in proximity to a Muzzle 8. In thisregard, it may be coupled above, below, or to the side of the Muzzle 8.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the Forward Camera 2 is coupled belowthe Muzzle 8 on the Weapon 1. In one embodiment, the Forward Camera 2may be a plurality of cameras, such as a wide field of view camera, andfurther comprising a 180-degree field of view camera as desired for theapplication

The Weapon 1 further comprises a 360-degree Camera 3. The 360-degreeCamera 3 is a single or plurality of cameras positioned in or on theframe of Weapon 1 to form a 360 by 360-degree field of view around theWeapon 1. The 360-degree Camera 3 may be coupled to or coupled insidethe Weapon 1 approximately two-thirds of the way down the Weapon 1, adistance d from the Muzzle 8. This placement is an approximation of theGolden Ratio (1.618 to 1.00) and is preferred to best locate the cameraviewing angles for implementation on a given Weapon 1.

A 360-degree field of view 360-degree Camera 3 with only two lenses iscurrently the most common type and can accommodate a full 360 by360-degree field of view angle with only two lenses. However, othertypes of cameras may be used to obtain the 360 field of view in otherembodiments. FIG. 1 further comprises four 360-degree Camera 3 (one isout of view behind the Weapon 1), but one, two, three or more 360-degreeCamera 3 may be used to form a full 360 by 360 field of view. With fourcameras, the cameras are coupled to or coupled within the Weapon 1 atninety-degree angles. Multiple cameras with a smaller but overlappingfield of view are also a preferred embodiment to accomplish the360-degree Camera 3 function. Note that the camera system may suit aparticular application, including adaption to or further forming aparticular aspect of a Weapon 1.

The Weapon 1 further comprises an Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4and a Transceiver 5. Transceiver 5 comprises the transmitter, receiverand location functions. In this regard, while the 360 Camera 3 maysatisfy the requirement of having a complete and full view of the personholding and operating Weapon 1, Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 isprovided to assure this is fulfilled. Authorized Weapon Operator Camera4 is coupled on the Weapon 1 and captures images of the operator of theWeapon 1.

In this regard, the Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 is one or morecameras positioned to obtain a clear view of the person holding andoperating Weapon 1. In one embodiment, the Authorized Weapon OperatorCamera 4 is mounted on the Transceiver 5. The mounting and position ofAuthorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 is independent of Transceiver 5.Only a designated person is authenticated and authorized by the RemoteAuthority 20 (not shown) to operate the Weapon 1.

Transceiver 5 provides data indicative of a location of the Weapon 1,video transmission to, and bi-directional audio communication with, theremotely located Remote Authority 20 (not shown), the Remote Authority20 (not shown) having authentication verification, authorization anddeauthorization control and oversight of Weapon 1.

Transceiver 5 provides location information to the Remote Authority 20and to the person holding Weapon 1 as per the application. Transceiver 5further receives the authorization or deauthorization signals to set thestate of the Weapon 1 to authorized or deauthorized for discharge.

In one embodiment, the Weapon 1 may be further authenticated andauthorized by the receipt of an authorization signal or by anauthorization signal in combination with the entry of an optionalsecurity code by the Authorized Weapon Operator 24.

Handles 6 contain ammunition, batteries, electronics, or othercomponents as best fits the present application and operatingenvironment.

Weapon 1 is shown pointed in the direction of the target and away fromthe Authorized Weapon Operator as per typical firearms. In oneembodiment, the Muzzle 8 is a noise reduction type to include any typeof sound suppressor, suppressor, or sound moderator, to include anymuzzle device that reduces the acoustic intensity of the muzzle report,or sound of the discharge, and optionally eliminates or reduces themuzzle flash of the discharge as per the preferred application of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 further illustrates the principal camera aspects and camera viewscaptured by the Forward Camera 2, the 360-degree Camera 3, and theAuthorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 as incorporated into or otherwiseattached to the Weapon 1. This camera aspect is comprised of individualcomponents, including the Forward Camera 2, the various 360×360-degreeCameras 3, and Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4. Together the camerasprovide the Camera Views 7. Camera views 7 are the respective views ofthe various cameras incorporated into Weapon 1. The Camera Views 7 areshown at about a 90-degree field of view. In one embodiment, the variousfields of view are of any angle or width as desired for the presentapplication to include 180 degrees or more per each camera, singly or incombination. The Camera Views 7 are considered to extend to infinity asper any optical device. By means of the various cameras as previouslydescribed in FIG. 1, it is in this manner that a 360 by 360 field ofview may be readily acquired around Weapon 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates the various Camera Views 7 overlapping fields of viewfrom 360 Cameras 3. Four 360 Camera 3 are shown, but only two opposing360 Camera 3 may be necessary utilizing current technology to form afull 360 by 360 field of view. The Camera Views 7 are considered toextend to infinity as per any optical device. The Muzzle 8 is not shown.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary Weapon 1 of the present disclosure. The Weapon 1comprises Microphones 9, 360-degree Cameras 3, Authorized WeaponOperator Camera 4, and Rear Camera and Microphone 10.

These components provide a sound and video view around and behind theAuthorized Weapon Operator 24 (not shown) that is transmitted to RemoteAuthority 20 (not shown). Rear Camera and Microphone 10 provideobservation, both video and audio, of areas ordinarily blocked by theAuthorized Weapon Operator. The Rear Camera and Microphone 10 areconnected to the Transceiver 5 by wire, sound, radio, or optical meansas best fits the preferred application. The Camera View 7 is consideredto extend to infinity as per any optical device and is shown with apreferred Camera View 7 of a hemisphere approximating 180 by 180 degreesbehind the Authorized Weapon Operator. The rear camera and Rear Cameraand Microphone 10 are on the back of the Authorized Weapon Operator suchas to provide a view behind the Authorized Weapon Operator.

FIG. 5 is the Weapon 1 further comprising a grip sensor 11. Grip Sensor11 detects the Authorized Weapon Operator being in operable possessionof the Weapon 1. When any Grip Sensor 11 is depressed or otherwiseactuated and the Weapon 1 is authorized by Remote Authority 20 (notshown) the Weapon 1 may be discharged. When any Grip Sensor 11 is nolonger depressed the Weapon 1 is deauthorized and remains deauthorizeduntil the Authorized Weapon Operator has control of the Weapon 1 throughdepressing one or more Grip Sensor 11 and the Weapon 1 is reauthorizedby Remote Authority 20. Grip Sensor 11 is any type of sensor as isapplicable to the present application to include mechanical, optical,pressure, thermal or other type of sensor. In this manner if the Weapon1 is taken from the Authorized Weapon Operator the Weapon 1 deauthorizesand cannot be discharged.

FIG. 6 is the Weapon 1 further comprising a trigger, wherein theAuthorized Weapon Operator's finger, being on or near the dischargeapparatus such as the trigger of Weapon 1, is detected by a GripDetector 12 to initiate or maintain authorization to discharge Weapon 1.When the Authorized Weapon Operator's finger is not or is no longerdetected by Grip Detector 12 the Weapon 1 deauthorizes. In this mannerif the Weapon 1 is taken from the Authorized Weapon Operator the Weapon1 deauthorizes and cannot be discharged. Grip Detector 12 is any mannerof detection of the presence of an Authorized Weapon Operators finger toinclude but not limited to optical, mechanical, sonic, capacitive,inductive or other electronic or emissions means as may be applicable tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example floor plan such as a school or officearea. In the case of a school or other institutions, multiple Weapons 1are housed in Cabinets 17 that are situated at strategic positions inthe Principal's Office 14, Classrooms 15, outside on the Grounds 16, andin the Entrance Hall 18. In this depiction, Principal's Office 14 actsas the authority and issues Weapon 1 (not shown) Authorization 13 whenrequired. Optionally, Remote Authority 20 (not shown) may be remotelylocated at the Remote Authority Office 19 (not shown) and have oversightand control of authorization and deauthorization of any number ofWeapons 1 at one or more institutions, facilities or areas. ThePrincipal's Office 14 may optionally unlock or otherwise allow access toCabinets 17. Cabinets 17 are preferred to be normally locked and thecontents unavailable until Principal's Office 14, Remote AuthorityOffice 19, or other authority as per the preferred implementation of thepresent invention unlocks or otherwise provides access to them.

In one embodiment, the Weapon 1 provides a means for the authorizationor deauthorization of one or more Weapons 1, Weapons 1 being operated byan individual or group of individuals. Additionally, authentication,authorization and deauthorization status may be determined by RemoteAuthority 20 as to time, geographic location, weapon, class of weapon,weapon type, Authorized Weapon Operator singly or by any grouping orarrangement, or any other criteria or any combination thereof. It is afurther embodiment that Weapon 1 automatically deauthorized if Weapon 1does not receive the predetermined one or more authorizing signals for apredetermined time.

FIG. 8 illustrates a Weapon Screen 23 providing information to theRemote Authority 20 that incorporates all the active Weapon locations,and their relevant status, within a defined area or structure indicatedby their respective numeric or other identifications on Display 21, andthe current video views of each Weapon 1 on Control Screen 22. TheWeapon Screen 23, Remote Authority 20 and associated controls andinfrastructure are preferred to be located in a Principal's Office 14,Remote Authority Office 19 or other area or facility as bestaccommodates the preferred application of the present invention. WeaponScreen 23 provides full control, including authorization anddeauthorization, of any and all Weapons 1, singly and in any grouping,to the Remote Authority 20. In the present disclosure Remote Authority20 comprises either an individual or group of persons, or theauthorization and deauthorization system inclusive of procedure,hardware and software, processing means, or both.

Display 21 displays a representation of the physical layout of thestructure, floor or other appropriate depiction of the operational areaindicating the respective location of each authorized Weapon 1. Thelocation of each authorized Weapon 1 is depicted in the Display 21 withthe respective identification of each Weapon 1 displayed. In the presentexample four each Weapon 1, specifically 3, 6, 8, 9 and 11, are shownwithin the displayed structural layout, the layout in this caserepresenting a floor area such as a school or other building, or an areadisplayed as a map. The location of all Weapons 1 is optionallydisplayable, including all Weapon 1 both in or removed from theirrespective Cabinets 17 or other storage.

Control Screen 22 displays the various views from each Weapon 1including the Forward Camera 2, the various 360 cameras 3, andAuthorized Weapon Operator Camera 4. In particular, the AuthorizedWeapon Operator Camera 4 displays the image of the Authorized WeaponOperator 24 or any unauthorized or other person holding the Weapon 1.The Forward Camera 2 displays whatever or whomever the Weapon 1 ispointed at. The various 360 cameras 3, in combination with theAuthorized Weapon Operator Camera 4, Forward Camera 2 and the rearcamera and Rear Camera and Microphone 10 together provide a morecomplete view of the operating environment of Weapon 1 and various viewsare preferred to be displayed on the Control Screens 22 as best fit aparticular application or situation. Control Screen 22 further providesthe sound as preferred to Remote Authority 20 as received by any or allMicrophones 9.

Control Screen 22 is further preferred to display the Authorized WeaponOperator Camera 4 image of the person utilizing the Weapon 1, and also astored image or images of the Authorized Weapon Operator or operatorsfor ready comparison of the images by Remote Authority 20. In oneembodiment, a stored image or images of the Authorized Weapon Operatorsmay be presented to the Remote Authority for easy comparison andcertainty of authentication and authorization.

These displays and screens inform the Remote Authority 20 in real timeof the location, who has possession, the current authorized ordeauthorized status, and the current operation of each of the Weapon 1.

Remote Authority 20 has complete control over the status of each Weapon1, and has complete authority and capability to immediatelyauthenticate, authorize or deauthorize, individually and collectively inany grouping, any Weapon 1 within the functional, procedural andphysical limits of this disclosure.

Further, Remote Authority 20 has all provided communication ability withall Weapons 1, both individually and as a group or subgroup, and therespective Authorized Weapon Operator or other unauthorized personholding any Weapon 1 regardless of the authorized or deauthorized statusof any particular Weapon 1.

FIG. 9 details a Weapon Screen 23 displaying information thatincorporates all the active Weapon 1 locations, and their relevantstatus, within a defined area or structure indicated by their respectivenumeric or other identifications on Display 21, and the current videoviews of each Weapon 1 on Control Screen 22.

Display 21 displays a representation of the physical layout of thestructure, floor or other appropriate depiction of the operational areaindicating the respective location of each authorized Weapon 1. Thelocation of each authorized Weapon 1 is depicted in the Display 21 withthe respective identification of each Weapon 1 displayed. In the presentexample five each Weapon 1, specifically 3, 6, 8, 9 and 11, are shownwithin the displayed structural layout, the layout in this caserepresenting the respective floor area or areas. Customizedrepresentations are preferred to best accommodate each installation orarea of coverage. The locations of all Weapon 1 are optionallydisplayable, including all Weapon 1 both in or removed from theirrespective Cabinets 17.

Control Screen 22 displays the various views from each Weapon 1including the Forward Camera 2, the various 360 cameras 3, andAuthorized Weapon Operator Camera 4. In particular, the AuthorizedWeapon Operator Camera 4 displays the image of the Authorized WeaponOperator 24 or any unauthorized or other person holding the Weapon 1.The various and selected views from each Weapon 1 are selectable andcontrollable by Screen Controls 26 for each Viewscreen 27 as denoted byan individual designation or number. The Weapon Location 28 of eachWeapon 1 is preferred to be displayed in a manner such that RemoteAuthority 20 has full cognizance of the location of each Weapon 1 and itrelationship to all other Weapons 1.

The Forward Camera 2 displays whatever or whomever the Weapon 1 ispointed at, in this case Perpetrator 25. The various 360 Cameras 3, incombination with the Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4, Forward Camera2 and the Rear Camera and Microphone 10 together provide a more completeview of the operating environment of Weapon 1 and various views arepreferred to be displayed or displayable on the Control Screens 22 asbest fit a particular application or situation. Control Screen 22further provides the sound or sounds as preferred as received by any orall microphones 10.

Remote Authority 20 has complete control over the status of each Weaponland has complete authority and capability to immediately authorize ordeauthorize, individually and collectively in any grouping, any Weapon 1within the physical, functional and procedural limits of this disclosureas best suit the particular application and situation.

In one embodiment, all information from any camera or combination ofcameras, and by any microphone or combination of microphones, and anylocation or other information received, computed, derived, or otherwisegenerated, be recorded in its entirety, or partially as preferred, andbe fully available for future analysis, to meet all data or otherrequirements of a particular implementation or application.

In one embodiment, the Remote Authority 20 has full bi-directional audiocommunication capability with any or all Authorized Weapon Operators, orwith any person or persons in possession of a Weapon 1, authorized orunauthorized, via the apparatus of Weapon 1 or other means as may bestfit the desired application. It is a preferred embodiment that theRemote Authority 20 have full control over the use of Weapons 1 inactivities to include police and military groups, hunting, schools,military establishments, prisons, and the confines of other controlledor restricted facilities, seasons, times or areas. It is a furtherpreferred embodiment that Remote Authority 20 have full control withinprescribed constraints wherein the Weapon 1 is any class or category ortype of weapon or firearm, said signal authorizing or deauthorizingsingle or multiple or specific types or classes of Weapons 1.

The present disclosure further provides means and methods for immediateaccess to armed force when needed, provided with complete control andoversight, preventing the use of armed force unless the armed force isauthenticated and authorized by a Remote Authority.

The Authorized Weapon Operator 24 is authenticable, and the Weapon 1 isauthorizable and de-authorizable remotely, and supplemental or secondaryauthorization may be established for a predetermined operating time andlocation, or a predetermined mode for reauthorization of deauthorizationcontrolled by a Remote Authority.

Authorization, deauthorization and viewing capability is dependent onthe requirements of the preferred application, and all possibleimplementations, while application dependent, are preferred embodimentsof the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including trade, technical andscientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this inventionbelongs. The terms weapon, gun and firearm are used interchangeably bothin the singular and plural forms, and incorporate singly, jointly or asa group all physical and functional attributes of the embodiment andapplication of the present invention. The terms discharge and fire areused interchangeably as best fits the disclosure of the presentembodiment. It is further understood that terms, such as those definedin commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of thespecification and relevant art, and should not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.Well known functions and common constructions are not described forbrevity.

What we claim is:
 1. A weapon, comprising: a forward camera coupled toan end of the weapon, the forward camera captures images in front of thebarrel of the weapon; a 360-degree camera coupled to or within the gun,the 360-degree camera captures images in a 360-degree field around theweapon; an operator camera coupled to of the weapon, the operator cameracaptures images of the operator of the weapon; and a transceiverconfigured for receiving a signal to activate and/or deactivate theweapon based upon the images in front of the barrel of the weapon,images in the 360-degree field around the weapon, and images of theoperator of the weapon.
 2. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the forwardcamera is coupled below a muzzle of the weapon.
 3. The weapon of claim1, wherein the forward camera is a plurality of cameras, such as a widefield of view camera and a 180-degree field of view camera.
 4. Theweapon of claim 1, wherein the 360-degree camera is a plurality ofcameras coupled to or coupled with and around the weapon.
 5. The weaponof claim 1, wherein the 360-degree camera comprises two lenses forcapturing a 360 by 360 field of view image.
 6. The weapon of claim 1,wherein the 360-degree camera comprises one or more cameras coupled toor coupled within the frame and positioned with overlapping fields ofview forming a 360 by 360 field of view.
 7. The weapon of claim 1,wherein the operator camera comprises one or more cameras positioned toobtain a clear view of an operator of the weapon.
 8. The weapon of claim1, wherein the transceiver provides data indicative of a location of theweapon to a remote authority.
 9. The weapon of claim 1, wherein thetransceiver provides data indicative of video.
 10. The weapon of claim1, wherein the transceiver provides bi-directional audio communicationwith a remote authority.
 11. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the user isauthenticated by a remote authority via the transceiver.
 12. The weaponof claim 1, wherein the weapon is authorized by a remote authority viathe transceiver.
 13. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the weapon isde-authorized by a remote authority via the transceiver.
 14. The weaponof claim 1, further comprising a rear camera coupled to the weapon viathe transceiver.
 15. The weapon of claim 14, further comprising amicrophone coupled to the weapon via the transceiver.
 16. The weapon ofclaim 15, wherein the rear camera and the microphone provide images andaudio from behind the operator, which are transmitted to a remoteauthority.
 17. The weapon of claim 1, further comprising at least onedetector positioned near a trigger of the weapon, wherein when anoperator's finger is one or near the trigger authorization is initiatedand/or maintained.
 18. The weapon of claim 17, wherein when theoperator's finger is no longer detected by the detector, the weapondeauthorizes.
 19. The weapon of claim 18, wherein the detector isoptical, mechanical, sonic, capacitive, inductive, or other electronicor emissions detectors.